Crypto Village Newsletter #42 - 7/31
Welcome back to our News Letter!
A huge thank you to all our new subscribers! This newsletter is brought to you by Crypto Village, where we share the latest updates on the Nishikigoi NFT project, Japanese local NFT initiatives, and much more.
The News of the Week:
Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery (Part.2)
This is Part 2 of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.
Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery
Next, we spoke with Tetsuya Osawa from paramita Inc., the lead organizer behind this project. We asked him about his connection to the communities involved and what inspired this initiative.
Crypto Village: What did these regions mean to paramita? And what stood out to you about each of these communities?
Osawa: The two regions we visited, Mizukubo in Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City (Shizuoka Prefecture) and Owase in Mie Prefecture—are part of the Local Coop initiative that paramita is rolling out. These areas are where we’re working with local governments, residents, and businesses to explore how we can build a future that balances “a world where nature regenerates” and “a sustainable local economy.”
Mizukubo is a mountain town where about 96% of the land is covered by forest. It's known for its steep terrain and beautiful, clear mountain streams. While the town faces challenges due to depopulation and an aging population, there’s a growing number of newcomers starting ventures like renovated café spaces and curated shops. It’s a place where traditional knowledge and new ideas come together. Surrounded by vast forests, the area also nurtures unique cultural traditions and local industries like heirloom crop farming. Through Local Coop, we're exploring how to preserve and regenerate biodiversity and cultural heritage as a foundation for long-term sustainability.
On the other hand, Owase is a coastal town with over 4,000 mm of annual rainfall and 92% forest coverage. This abundance of “water” and “forest” helps sustain the rich marine life of the ria coastline. One of Owase’s most unique qualities is how close the mountains are to the sea—you can really feel how the natural bounty flows from the forests to the ocean. With a declining population and shifting market conditions, traditional industries like fishing and forestry are struggling. Through Local Coop, we're working on redefining what primary industries can look like—creating new value by enhancing the natural environment instead of depleting it.
What truly impressed me in both communities—beyond the stunning nature and deep-rooted culture—was the energy and spirit of the people who live there. Despite the challenges of rural depopulation, there’s a real sense of vitality in how locals are shaping the future of their hometowns.
Through our partnership with JR Central, paramita has been developing a new model that connects “travel” with “support for local communities.” In the Zurashi Tabi package, travelers can choose an “ethical option” that allows 500yen of their travel fee to go directly back to the region they visit. This small but meaningful choice helps support communities facing depopulation and labor shortages—and brings travelers closer to the places they explore in a more thoughtful and impactful way.
Crypto Village: As a bridge between the artist and the local communities, was there anything in particular you were mindful of?
Osawa: We made a conscious effort to help the artist understand not just the beauty of the regions, but also their challenges. As Oguma-san mentioned, in both Mizukubo and Owase, we tried to create opportunities where the artist and local residents could share the same space. Rather than us explaining everything, we wanted the local people to express their own perspectives and stories, and let their voices bring the region’s charm to life. These shared spaces became important touchpoints for building mutual understanding.
At the recent launch event we held in Mizukubo, we saw this connection firsthand. Local residents gathered and warmly engaged with Oguma-san’s artwork. Many reminisced about scenes from their childhood or spoke about the culture of Mizukubo that the artwork reminded them of. It was clear that the art resonated deeply and personally.
Crypto Village: Through this project, have you noticed any shifts or new potential in the relationship between urban and rural communities?
Osawa: We’re still in the early days of the project, but even without any advertising, we’ve already been receiving over one application a day. As of June 16, 2025, we’ve had 26 sign-ups, which is really encouraging.
Looking ahead, I believe that as more people become aware of this kind of experience—where they can connect with a place through art—we’ll see a broader, more meaningful engagement with these regions. It's not just about financial support. We're hoping that participants begin to see themselves as part of the region’s extended community, forming emotional and social ties that last well beyond a single visit. That’s the kind of long-term relationship we want to foster.
Introducing Our Interviewee
Tetsuya Osawa
Co-Founder of paramita Inc. / Director & Head of Corporate Strategy at Mitsuwa Holdings
After spending 11 years as a consultant at leading European strategy consulting firms, He joined the Mitsuwa Group in 2015. In June 2023, he co-founded paramita Inc., where he now leads the development of innovative services such as SINRA and Local Coop as Co-Founder.
Official website: https://paramita.co.jp/
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